They are joined as nominees by Hall and Oates, the Replacements, Deep Purple, the Paul Butterfield Blues Band, Link Wray, the Meters, Chic, Yes and the Zombies.

Grunge rock kings Nirvana made it onto the ballot in their first year of eligibility. Nominees for the rock honor must have recorded albums or singles in 1988 or earlier to be considered.

The Aberdeen, Wash., trio, formed in 1987, consisted of the late Kurt Cobain, who died in 1994, bassist Krist Novoselic and drummer Dave Grohl. Nirvana's first single, a cover of Shocking Blue's "Love Buzz," was released in late 1988.

"I think it's remarkable in that there are so many first-time nominees," Greg Harris, Rock Hall president and CEO, told Cleveland's The Plain Dealer of the newest class of nominees. "It's remarkably diverse in the type of bands that are on it."

Fans are allowed to vote online for their favorites. It marks the second year the Rock Hall has allowed them to weigh in alongside music experts who previously selected the honorees.

The five acts with the most votes will be inducted at a ceremony held in New York City in April.